discus federal issues related to US politics or affecting the entire nation.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

the last best hope

For those of us who hoped Donald Trump would offer “presidential” leadership after entering the Oval Office, and for those who waited for a “presidential moment” after the terror attack in Charlottesville, this week’s rally in Phoenix made one thing especially clear: the President does not intend to unify our country.

Friend,

For those of us who hoped Donald Trump would offer “presidential” leadership after entering the Oval Office, and for those who waited for a “presidential moment” after the terror attack in Charlottesville, this week’s rally in Phoenix made one thing especially clear: the President does not intend to unify our country.

Instead, he continues to pander to fears and prejudices, dividing and misleading our nation.

As we consider that disheartening reality, I’m encouraged by something President Lincoln said in 1862: “We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.”

His words remind us that America has overcome such tests before and — even when faced with our steepest challenges — equality, liberty and truth have ultimately advanced. When we commit to it, freedom prevails against tyranny and populism.

Our core ideals have guided our progress as a nation, secured victories against foreign and domestic enemies, and propelled our country to prosperity. In contrast, our darkest moments have come when we’ve turned our backs on these ideals.

Though our current generation of leaders rarely defends these principles, they remain essential to overcoming the tribulations we face and reaching a brighter future for all Americans.

In light of the rhetoric we’ve heard this week, now is a good time to review a few key ideals and norms:

Equality. As they explicitly wrote in the Declaration of Independence, our Founders envisioned a government that treated its citizens equally. America’s early implementation of this ideal was limited and flawed. But Americans’ enduring pursuit of freedom has continuously expanded our recognition of the truth that all are created equal. Regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, income or ideology, we are equal in the eyes of Lady Justice and, in my faith, God.

Whenever a threat to equality emerges, our leaders must rush to neutralize it. In reality, every other American ideal, and even our system of government, is based on the equality of all. Because of its foundational importance to our way of life, our leaders must constantly and actively advocate on its behalf, not just in times of crisis.

Free Speech. The Constitution safeguards free speech, regardless of whether the message runs counter to our core ideals. Even those who spread hateful speech enjoy ample protections in our legal system. Despite these broad rights, not all ideas deserve the endorsement of our leaders, either explicitly or implicitly.

Rather, we rightfully expect our political leaders to be moral leaders. They must champion equality, promote decency and denounce hate. As citizens, we should do the same.

An Independent Press. Only an informed citizenry can hold its government accountable, and we cannot be informed without an independent press. When our leaders attack or threaten media that publish unfavorable but true information, we become less able to ensure leaders’ honest and wise public service.

The rise of partisan outlets — especially in the age of the Internet — has also blurred the lines between fact and fiction. In this context, it’s easy to dismiss information that challenges our existing opinions, but being open to new information from multiple sources helps us ascertain truth.

Make no mistake, actual fake news exists. But there is truth, and we can discern it. We should hold the media and our leaders accountable when they present false information or conceal intentional bias, yet we must also ensure that journalists can report facts without fear of retribution or intimidation by our leaders. Journalists play an indispensable role in our democracy.

Friend, if we adhere to these fundamental tenets, I’m confident the United States of America will remain Lincoln’s “last best hope of earth.”

That’s why Mindy and I co-founded Stand Up Republic: to provide a voice for principled, constitutional community and leadership. Without our commitment, we may lose that which has made America great from the beginning.